What Size Rug Should Go Under My King Bed?

As a designer consultant at DressMyCrib, I strengthen the company with key knowledge that helps them understand the visual and mental effects of colors, textures, materials and shapes, to assist users in finding the right rug for their space. In this article, full of visual examples, let me guide you to choose the best rug size that goes under your king bed.

Best Rug Sizes For A King Bed

King beds tend to work best in rooms that are at least 10 x 12, though they are also often used in rooms measuring around 13 x 13 or more. As with other larger beds, king beds are typically centred in the room with the headboard, or top of the bed, against one wall.

To find the perfect rug size for your king bed, you will have to consider not only the size of your king bed, but also the size of your bedroom. This will help you find the rug size most suited to your space.

What Size Rug For A King Bed In A Small to Medium Room?

King beds are the largest standard bed size, measuring 76 inches wide by 80 inches long (193 x 203 cm), though variations exist. "Usually, the King bed is positioned centered, against one wall to make the best use of the space," says an interior designer.

For a king bed in a small-to-medium room, choose a rug that is 8x10. An 8x10 rug will be the smallest size you should consider under your king bed in order to maintain the balance of the room.

Photo by Brendt Blanks

Top 8x10 Rugs to Match Your King Bed Decor

What Size Rug For A King Bed In A Medium-Sized Room?

The best rug size for a king bed in a medium sized bedroom (11’ x 14’) will likely be around 9x12. This rug size will allow for about 1’ of space between the walls and the edges of your rug. You will have a soft landing space on all three sides of the bed. With a 9x12 rug for your king bed, the top legs of the bed frame remaining off of the rug, as will any accompanying nightstands.

Photo by Andrea Tront

Our Top 9x12 Rugs to Match Your King Bed

What Size Rug For A King Bed In A Larger-Sized Room?

For a larger bedroom measuring 12’ x 16’ or more, you may choose to incorporate a rug that is large enough to accommodate the entire bedframe, as well as its nightstands. To place both a king bed and nightstands on the rug, choose a rug size of at least 10x14. 

Photo by @livingwithnic

Our Top 10x14 Rugs to Match a King Bed

For a California king-size bed, choose a 12x15 rug. This size will be able to accommodate the full bed frame, nightstands and any end-of-bed benches or other furniture while still leaving rug exposure despite the California king’s longer size.

Photo by @rachelkathleenhome

Best 12x15 rugs for your King's bed

Alternative for King's Bed: Double Runners

This is an excellent option to keep your room seeming spacious, airy and light. Runner rugs won’t be placed under a king bed but rather on the sides or foot of the bed, making them easier to lift during cleaning.

Photo by Walmart

Runner Rugs to style with a King's Bed

King Bed Sizes

King bed is a popular bed choice. Generally, standard king beds are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long (193 x 203 cm).

California King beds, on the other hand, are king beds designed for taller people. While it is commonly believed that California King beds are larger than the standard king, this is not true. California King beds are longer than the standard, yet less wide, measuring 72 inches wide and 84 inches long (183 x 213 cm). California King beds are 4 inches (10 cm) narrower and 4 inches (10 cm) longer than King size beds.

Photo by Pure Salt Interiors

Tips For Choosing Right Rug Size

According to interior designers, the standard rule is for rugs to extend 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) beyond the sides of a king bed. Additionally, you should keep at least 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) of bare floor between the sides of your rug and the walls.

An area rug for a king size bed should therefore be at least 112 to 124 inches (284 to 315 cm) or 10 feet wide. As a result, an area rug for a king size bed should be at least 8 x 10. An 8x10 rug under a king bed will work fantastically for a small or medium sized room.

If your room allows it, however, you will likely want a 9x12 or 10x14 rug under your king bed, as this will look particularly spectacular.

Photo by Katharina

King Bed Rug Placement by Size

Standard King Bed – Frame Bottom Two-Thirds of Bed

This is the most conventional interior design styling choice. With a standard king-sized bed (76 inches by 80 inches), centered and placed against the wall in a medium sized (11x14) bedroom, choose an 8x10 or 9x12 area rug. Place the rug under the bottom two-thirds of the bed, leaving the nightstands and top legs of the bed frame off the rug.

This will cover most of the floor while still leaving 1’ of space between the walls and edges of the rug. This placement will allow for your feet to touch down on the rug on all three sides of the bed.

8x10 rugs: Place the rug under the bed. A full king-sized bed frame can sit on this rug entirely. Nightstands will have to stay off the rug, or else be very slim. 

Photo by Nikki's Plate

An alternative placement for an 8x10 rug is to place it under the bottom two-thirds of the bed, leaving the head of the bed and its nightstands on the floor. This placement will create the illusion of a longer look.

Photo by Viktoria

Frame Entire King Bed

Choose a 9x12 rug and place it under your king bed. This will frame the entire bed, including all foot and corners, and allow for comfort underfoot. This will define the space and use your bed as a focal point, while still allowing for more visibility of beautiful hardwood flooring.

King Bed And Nightstands – Frame Bed and Furniture

Choose an area rug that is at least 10x14 to place an entire king-sized bedframe and nightstands on the rug. This will help to ground all the furniture and define the space, making the room seem larger. This placement has a particularly luxurious appeal and works well in rooms 12x16 or larger.

Alternatively, you could also place your 10x14 rug one-third below the head of your king bed. Placing your rug on the bottom two-thirds of the bed, the top legs of your king bed and the nightstands will remain on bare floor. This creates a luxurious aesthetic while also allowing you to place a bed bench or chest atop the rug.

California King Bed with 12x15 Rug Rugs

12x15 rugs: Place your 12x15 under the entirety of your California king bed. With all accompanying furniture sitting atop the rug, you will create an intentional, balanced look that will evoke a sense of harmony. 

Runner Rugs

Place two 8-foot-long runners on either side of the bed. Maintain two inches of bare floor between the rug and the bed. This will create a comfortable landing space as you step out of bed in the mornings.

Alternatively, you can also choose to place a single runner rug at the foot of the bed, keeping the bed legs off the rug. Keep two inches of bare floor between the rug and the bed.

Rug Size For King Bed: General Guidelines

• A bedroom area rug should extend at least 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) beyond the sides of the bed
• Rug edges should remain at least 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) away from the wall
• Bedroom size should be taken into consideration
• Rugs should not cover air vents

FAQ

How Should I Choose A Rug Size For My King Bed?

It can be difficult to choose a rug for under your king bed since you need to be confident that the color, thickness, and style are all ideal for your room. Use DressMyCrib's Augmented Reality "See Rug in Your Room" feature to see bedroom rugs for your own king bed so you can be sure of your decision.

What Stores Or Platforms Sell Different Rug Sizes For King Beds?

Nowadays, it is easy to find many different sized area rugs at all price ranges for your king bed. You can use DressMyCrib's rug-visualizer to help you choose and then shop for them online from retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Target, Ikea, and Walmart. With just a phone, you can preview any rug anywhere in your room - completely free!